What is the meaning of the noble verse: (And most of them do not believe in Allah except while they associate others with Him), and what is meant by shirk (polytheism/associating partners with Allah) in it?

Scholars, such as Ibn Abbas, have clarified that the meaning of the verse is that the polytheists admit that Allah is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and of themselves, yet they worship idols and effigies, seek help from them, make vows to them, and slaughter for them. This belief is Tawhid al-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship), but their associating partners with Allah nullifies and corrupts it. Therefore, their admission of Lordship does not benefit them alongside their shirk (associating partners with Allah) in worship.